Driving has become a necessity and a way of life. Want to head over to the nearest Walmart? Hop into the car. Want to go to work or school? Well, the car is waiting for you. This dependency on our car means that we cannot imagine life without it. However, there comes a point in life when it is inevitable to give up the keys. This might seem absurd but there are several reasons why you should stop driving. This article helps you and your loved ones identify telltale signs. With this, you can be assured that you are making safe choices and prioritizing your health.
State Laws for Holding a License
The best indication that it is time to give up the keys might be your state laws. If you are unfamiliar with them, a quick Google search might help you identify the correct age for giving up your license. However, do not despair because this does not mean that you have to stop driving your car. Most states will need you to come in for a mandatory physical examination testing your eyesight and reflexes between the ages of 60 and 70. After this, you can definitely drive again but you are required to check back in every few years to renew your license.
Lack of Confidence in Their Abilities
We indeed know ourselves best. This is why when our loved ones share their feelings or experiences, it is vital to lend them a listening ear and try to understand their point of view. For example, if your mother or grandfather shares that they do not feel very confident driving, one should avoid being dismissive. We may even try to encourage them to keep driving but this can be seen as invalidating rather than encouraging. If your loved ones know that they don’t want to drive, don’t persuade them to keep doing so.
Frequent Close Calls or Accidents
Not everyone, however, is so self-aware. Indeed, it may seem as though your car is getting more banged up than usual. This might range from small scratches on the sides of the car to paint peeling away in the rear. Perhaps you may even have been in the car when your loved ones suddenly jammed the breaks or mounted the curb. These can be indications that it is time to stop driving. Of course, not driving anymore means your loved ones may need additional modes of transportation.
Getting Lost in Familiar Places
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect a significant proportion of the American population. Gradually, you may have noticed that your loved ones are beginning to forget where they are or are unable to navigate even in their neighborhood. While they may have no issues with the technical aspects of driving, memory loss affects driving. Thus, it is recommended that you monitor your loved ones and take care not to dismiss these memory lapses as an age-related issue. It could be more detrimental than you think.
